1337 Articles by Jessica Levey
Check out these 1337 articles written by Jessica Levey, Content Manager; Lead Staff Writer & Illustrator at American Marriage Ministries. The AMM Blog Covers wedding trends for officiants, and more!
City of Boston removes gender markers from marriage licenses
The City of Boston just removed gender markers from marriage licenses and applications! Beginning this week, applicants are no longer required to register their sex or gender identity when applying to marry, and this information will no longer appear on their license. Officials hope the change will make the city more inclusive of gender diverse residents and more welcoming to the LGBTQIA+ community and their families.
Navajo Nation lawmakers reconsider ban on same-sex marriage
Learn about current and ongoing efforts to repeal the 2005 Diné Marriage Act, which bans same-sex marriage within the Navajo Nation. Legislation No. 0139-23 would legalize LGBTQ+ marriages in the Navajo Nation and provide legal recognition for marriages solemnized elsewhere. The bill was introduced by Council Delegate Seth Damon in June and is being reviewed by the 25th Navajo Nation Council Budget and Finance Committee.
Interracial marriage protections are now codified in New Jersey law
NJ Gov. Phil Murphy signed a new law on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, that ensures all New Jersey marriage laws be read with race neutral intent. Effective immediately, the amended law provides strong protections for interracial marriages in the state. Learn more about the passage of Assembly Bill 4939. (NJ A4939; 37:1-1; Rep. John McKeon)
From Wedding Officiant to Crime Novelist – Helen Bradley’s New Chapter
In addition to officiating with Savannah Simple Weddings, Wedding Officiant Helen P. Bradley is also a successful novelist! Her debut novel, Breach of Trust, was published by Moonshine Cove Publishing in April and launched in June, 2023. Learn about Helen's new book, her previous work as a victim advocate with the Chatham County Victim-Witness Assistance Program, her thriving wedding officiant business, her advice for first-time officiants, whether there's another novel exciting novel on the way, and more.
Conservative Rabbis are still banned from officiating interfaith weddings, but for how much longer?
Committee members of the Conservative Judaism movement's Rabbinical Assembly (RA) decided last week to uphold a ban that prohibits Conservative Rabbis from officiating interfaith weddings between Jewish and non-Jewish spouses. The topic will be revisited during the RA's upcoming convention. Learn about the prevalence of interfaith marriages in Conservative Judaism, and find resources for officiants asked to officiate an interfaith Jewish wedding, including wedding ceremony scripts and more.
The Wedding MBA 2023 lineup looks like one of the best yet!
Attn wedding vendors: Wedding MBA 2023 is coming soon, and we can't wait to see these expert speakers! American Marriage Ministries will be sponsoring the Wedding Officiant track again this year, sharing exciting news about our Officiant Accelerator events, and learning from expert wedding professionals including Christopher Shelley, Bethel Nathan, Rev. Laura C. Cannon, and more. Who do you hope to see? (November 2023 Las Vegas Convention Center)
Get Married in one of the 10 Most Haunted Wedding Venues in the U.S.
For a spooktacular ceremony! Whether you’re planning a spine-tingling themed Halloween wedding, an eerie autumn handfasting or vow renewal, or just love the idea ghosts and ghouls joining the wedding party, start planning with this list of the most haunted places to say 'I do' in the U.S. Featuring locations in some of America's most haunted cities, including Chicago, Savannah, Salem, St. Augustine, San Antonio, and beyond.
